A STONEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THROW
FROM PRISON
Child Detentions in the
Palestinian Territories
by Mae Elise Cannon
In conflict, children suffer the most. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the case in the decades-long Arab-Israeli conflict. Of particular concern to child
rights advocates is the plight of Palestinian children arrested
and detained by Israeli authorities. Not only are they denied due
process by US and international standards, they are also subject
to arrest, interrogation, and detainment, which is inconsistent with
Israeli law.
Everyday life is difficult for both Israeli and Palestinian children. Israeli children grow up in a country where insecurity exists
because of the conflict with Palestinians and other neighboring
states. They live with the fear of random attacks such as the suicide bombings common during the Second Intifada. Israeli children
near the Gaza border live under the threat and fear of missiles
which have been fired almost daily across the border into southern Israel. Moreover, since military service is compulsory in Israel,
both boys and girls are expected to serve in the army when they
turn 18. Involvement in the military occupation of the Palestinian
territories can expose them and their families to hostile, volatile,
and violent situations.

Palestinian children also face the constant threat of violence.
They live in situations where family members are often traumatized, and they experience tight restrictions on movement and
often limited access to basic necessities such as education and
healthcare. A great number of Palestinian children suffer from
poor emotional health and post-traumatic stress (PTS) as they
witness violence and the humiliation of parents, siblings, and
neighbors in encounters with the Israeli military. These children
increasingly grow up in environments that lack opportunities or a
sense of hope.
Defence for Children International (DCI) is an independent
nongovernmental organization represented in 40 countries with
its International Secretariat based in Geneva, Switzerland. DCI is
committed to promoting child rights around the world, including
within Israel and the Palestinian territories. They argue that Israeli
enforcement of child detentions in the Palestinian territories is one
of the greatest barriers to the well-being of Palestinian children.
Around 700 Palestinian children are arrested by the Israeli military
every year. Since 2000, more than 7,000 Palestinian children have